Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Stephen Grootes
Published on 2024-03-11 21:39:10
The African National Congress (ANC) has officially announced that Malusi Gigaba, David Mahlobo, Zizi Kodwa, and Cedric Frolick are included on the party’s list of candidates to go to Parliament after the elections on 29 May. These individuals have findings against them from the State Capture era, raising concerns about their eligibility to hold public office.
Simultaneously, there are reports suggesting that some key figures have been omitted from the list due to facing criminal charges. The Electoral Commission will release the national and provincial lists, which will shed more light on the exclusion of certain individuals who are facing legal issues.
The focus is currently on those implicated in corruption who are expected to return to Parliament for the ANC after the elections. However, there is no certainty that they will actually secure a seat. Past instances, such as Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Dina Pule not taking up their seats despite being on the party’s lists in previous years, highlight the unpredictability of the situation.
The inclusion of individuals with corruption allegations, like Malusi Gigaba, raises questions about ethical standards within the ANC. Despite findings of corruption and lying under oath, these individuals are considered for important positions within the party. South Africa’s political landscape is marred by the acceptance of individuals with tainted reputations holding positions of power, which perpetuates a cycle of dishonesty.
The prospect of Gigaba returning to Parliament and potentially being appointed to Cabinet despite his past transgressions poses a moral dilemma. Can someone who has been proven to lie under oath regain trust? The possibility of him being assigned to a less prominent role like the Ministry of Arts and Culture highlights the challenges faced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in balancing accountability with political alliances.
Moreover, the ANC’s credibility is at stake when comparing its list of candidates to other parties like uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK). Claims of distancing from individuals involved in State Capture lose credibility when members like Gigaba are included on the ANC’s parliamentary list. This opens the door for opponents to draw parallels between the misconduct of candidates from different parties, questioning the ethical standards upheld in South African politics.
The deeper issue lies in the lack of accountability within the ANC and the political system at large. The possibility of individuals with corruption allegations returning to Parliament reflects a systemic failure to prioritize integrity in public office. Until political parties prioritize clean candidates and uphold ethical standards, the cycle of corruption and misconduct is likely to persist.
In conclusion, the inclusion of problematic individuals on the ANC’s list of candidates for Parliament underscores the need for greater scrutiny and accountability in South Africa’s political arena. The reluctance to exclude individuals with tainted reputations raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the commitment to ethical governance. Voters must demand transparency and integrity from their elected representatives to ensure a brighter and more trustworthy future for the country.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
